leadership impact of generational diversity
DESCRIPTION
Be a more effective leader by understanding what motivates each generation in the workplace.TRANSCRIPT
Why Don’t They Understand?
Understanding Generational Diversity and the impact to business leaders
Agenda
Who Are These People?
Perceptions of Each Other
The Challenges
Possible Solutions
Questions
Who Are These People?
Traditionalists
Baby Boomers
Generation X
Generation Y
Generation Z
Traditionalists Born before 1946.
They value – Privacy, Hard Work*, Trust, Authority and Social Order.
Major influences – Depression and World War II
Communications Tips: Give them time to share thoughts (silent generation) Their word is their bond so listen carefully Face-to-face or formal written communications is
preferred Do not waste their time.
Baby Boomers Born between 1946 and 1964.
Value – Competition, Hard Work, Success, Body Language and Teamwork.
Major influences – Civil Rights, Cold War, Government Gaffes (Watergate)
Communications Tips: Body language is important Speak in an open, direct style Answer questions thoroughly and expect to be
prepared to be pressed for details Present options
Baby Boomers Born between 1946 and 1964.
Value – Competition, Hard Work, Success, Body Language and Teamwork.
Major influences – Civil Rights, Cold War, Government Gaffes (Watergate)
Management Tips: Show appreciation for their extensive knowledge Encourage them to share their knowledge through
mentoring Allow them to lead projects Be prepared for resistance to change
Generation X Born between 1965 and 1981.
They value – Entrepreneurship, Creativity, Information, Feedback
Major influences – Unemployment and Recession
Communications Tips: Email is primary communications tool Talk in short sound bites Get their feedback
Share information and keep them in the loop
Generation X Born between 1965 and 1981.
They value – Entrepreneurship, Creativity, Information, Feedback
Major influences – Unemployment and Recession
Management Tips: Minimize bureaucracy and over-management Give plenty of feedback Leverage their problem-solving and self-starter
mindset Provide continuous learning
Generation Y Born between 1982 and 2001.
They value – Autonomy, Diversity, Positive Reinforcement, Structure and Technology.
Major influences – Technology and Helicopter Parents.
Communications Tips: Use action words and challenge them
Don’t talk down to them Lots of two-way feedback
Don’t take yourself too seriously
Generation Y Born between 1982 and 2001.
They value – Autonomy, Diversity, Positive Reinforcement, Structure and Technology.
Major influences – Technology and Helicopter Parents.
Management Tips: Provide frequent check-ins and feedback
Provide structure and stability Forget gender roles, they have.
Engage them in social responsibility
Generation Z Born between 2001 to Present.
They value – Connectivity, Self-Direction, Technology.
Major influences – The Internet (Digital Natives)
Also go by: Generation Wii iGeneration Net Gen
Perceptions and Challenges Research reveals the following perceptions:
68% of Boomers feel “younger people” do not have as strong a work ethic as they do
32% of Gen X believe the “younger generation” lacks a good work ethic which is a problem
13% of Gen Y say the difference in work ethics across generations is a problem.
“Boomers are emigrants to a world Gen. X and Gen. Y were born into.”
Gen. X and Gen. Y struggle with non-verbal skills.
Grandparents are competing with grandkids for the same jobs.
Now Do We Understand? Possible Solutions:
Bi-Generational Leadership – Google
Reverse Mentoring – similar to Bi-Gen Leadership Age defines a demographic, not a person – get past
the generalities Take time to understand each person’s motivators
Each generation has something to contribute to the overall success of business today
Four Generations in the workplace for the foreseeable future – How will we play?
Thank you!
Call to Action!
What will you do with this new information in the next 30 days to help you improve your leadership skills and more effectively lead your business?
Questions?
Thank You!
Rick Lochner
www.rpcleadershipassociates.com
630-219-3316